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Powertap problem HR


VO2max

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I got myself a powertap. After using the polar for about a year, I must say I am quite impressed with powertap.

However I experience the following: When I go over 55 k/h on downhills then I loose my heartrate on the power meter. at first I thought it is because I change my position when I go down into the drops, and that the monitor do not make contact then. For the past week I experimented and found that I still loose my HR even when I sit in the exact position.

Have any of you using powertap experienced this.?

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This morning I was riding with one of my buddies but I was really pushing it, then my HR went throught the roof, and I was doing about 55km/h, but on a flat, then my HR just flatlined! Geek And it never came back?

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Get the CPU checked out - wierd problem.

 

Test it on a bike stand indoors by spinning the wheel up and watching the HR.

 

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Hi guys

 

Adrian from Bicycle Power here (SA PowerTap Distributor)

 

The problem you are describing is interesting - one that I haven't heard of before.

 

Just to check, are you using any other devices on the bike (e.g. Polar speed/cadence sensors) that may interefere with the PowerTap's HR function? If so, remove these (permanently) and test the bike.

 

I support Bruce's suggestion of trying the bike on an indoor trainer. I'd appreciate feedback on such a test.

 

I would love to get these problems sorted out, so please feel free to mail me (adrian@bicyclepower.co.za) and we'll discuss the matter in detail.

 

Two more (unrelated) points worth noting:

- Are you zero'ing the torque on your PowerTaps regularly?

- Do you have the latest CPU firmware, version 2.21?

 

If not, contact me and I'll assist.

 

Good luck with your power training.
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I thought the HR function was just a joke with the PowerTap, the strap is stupid, mine has never worked. Use my Polar for HR instead, no problems.

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Wasn't there a problem, before with another HRM that when your clothing was flapping too much it caused interference on the chest strap?

 

 
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Guest Michelle

Ditto Marius.  My powertap's HR only seems to pick up on the indoor trainer & then it still drops to zero sometimes so I don't bother with it anymore..

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Yeah Michelle, it kinda Piss me off on the one hand but on the other hand I don't really mind cuz I ride at Power and not HR, but still we paid a sh*tload for something with funcions and now it turns out one function that use to be the most important is not working...think a Polar cost about R2300 -  so I figure they should cut the cost of the PowerTAPS by the same amount and pay the ppl that already bought the Tap the R2300 back, all agreed??, sweet!LOL

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This is not a isolated incident.It seems to be a common problem with powertap.Even some of my mates who bought the new wireless one are complaining.

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Dr Watt, welcome aboard..! Thanks, I have send you a mail

 

Do you have a link where I can download newest cpu software version 2:21

 

Maruis

Thanks. I will try the polar strap this afternoon.
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Marius - you say that you use your polar for HR. You mean the watch as well or just the strap with the pt?

 

I noticed that the HR on the pt is a little less robust than the polar but I always assumed that it's because it's not coded.

 

The only time I have hassles is when I ride in a group.

 

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Guest Michelle

Windbreaker: I use my polar strap & watch... although on the indoor trainer my powertap picked up my polar HR strap for a whole session once!!?!

 

Marius: It p's me off too.  My handlebar looks like a 747 cockpit with all the attachments....

 

Does anyone have a tool that can merge a polar HRM file with a powertap CSV???? Should be easy enough to write one, but I don't have the time atm Unhappy 
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Michelle: you are using a coded strap which won't work with the PT properly.  With regards to merging the two files.  it's a bit of a hassle due to different sampling rates - I investigated this because I wanted to merge altitude data with my PT data.

 

You could always go buy the PT 2.4 SL - that has a coded receiver.

 

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